Looking for a personal trainer? Try the Web

Online personal training has become one of the biggest sources
of personal training in the last few years.

Everyone knows we need to exercise, but most of us have no clue
where to start.

You pick up a book or magazine and try to learn about diet and
exercise to get motivated, but chances are the book will be closed
after the preface, never to be picked up again. If you do manage to
pass the first chapter, you may be too confused to incorporate any
of your readings into your daily life or workout.

Next, you could call all the gyms in town to find out the best
one for your budget and location. Or you stay up late at night and
see the greatest machine to bring home and solve all of your
problem areas -- then cannot decide whether to work out at home or
at a gym.

But what if you have your gym membership or your home equipment
and don't know what to do?

Most gyms have personal trainers. Personal trainers are great --
they keep you accountable, they are hopefully experienced and they
teach you proper form and technique. They will also help you
achieve your goals.

Then, there is online personal training. The biggest benefit of
online training and e-coaching is the price -- a typical session
with a personal trainer can cost $50 to $150 an hour, but many
online training programs cost as little as $5 to $10 a week. Online
training, or e-training, also eliminates the hassle of scheduling
an appointment with a trainer, many of whom are already booked
during the most convenient training times.

Questions remain about whether the benefits of e-training can
make up for the loss of face-to-face interaction with an exercise
expert. Working with a trainer in person not only allows the
trainer to monitor your form and progress but also forces you to
stay committed to an exercise program.

Most trainers prefer you to work out with them at least twice a
week so they can truly push you to your goals. And you will still
need to work out on your own on your days off.

Online training is a way to stay motivated and accountable
without paying for one-on-one training. You will still see the
benefits if you do the workouts. There may not be someone to make
you accountable at every workout, but most personal training Web
sites will allow you to e-mail questions throughout the week.

Online training is also great for people who are self-motivated
but are not sure what to do and how to go about it. You can work
out at your convenience. There are some personal training Web sites
that will ask you what you have available to exercise with and
design your workouts accordingly. Make sure that you are using
these sites so that you do not waste your money on a workout that
you cannot do.

To find an online trainer, ask at your local gym if trainers
there offer e-training services. An online search of "personal
trainers" and "online" will yield dozens of potential trainers. If
you're looking for marathon or Ironman training or even coaching
for tennis or weightlifting, a more-detailed search will turn up
several options.

Users of online training programs need to ask questions so they
know whether they are getting personal feedback directly from the
trainer or an assistant, or just a prepackaged workout. Users also
need to check out the credentials of their trainers. Look for
certification from the American College of Sports Medicine
(acsm.org), the American Council on Exercise (acefitness.org), or
the National Strength and Conditioning Association
(nsca-lift.org).

Be aware of the "Lose 10 inches in 4 weeks" or "Lose 20 pounds
in 4 weeks" promises. Check their years of experience. Be skeptical
of some Web sites' testimonials. Some sites will steal testimonials
or alter their images.

You will only see results if you work hard, but studies show
that those who use e-coaching or online training stick with their
workout programs and see more results by being connected to someone
with the same goal in mind.